FAMILIES were forced out of their homes last night as bomb disposal experts carried out a controlled explosion.
Around 200 residents from Leasowe were evacuated after a man allegedly threw a firework at around 8.20pm in Kellett Road.
Officers later discovered chemicals inside a house and a 100-metre cordon was put in place as a precaution.
And following a sleepless night at Leasowe Community Centre, residents are still uncertain when they will be able to return to their homes.
Michelle Cummings, who lives near to where the incident took place, said she was “scared” when police officers told her to leave her home.
The mum-of-three said: “I was just getting ready to go to bed when the police knocked on the door and told me to get out of the house.
“I didn’t know what had happened and had to go and wake the children up who were obviously very scared.
"We have had hardly any sleep and have been sitting round all night waiting to hear something – I just want to get back home now.
“It is very worrying to think that this person has been living in the area and I am worried that something could happen again.”
Following the evacuation, bomb disposal experts were brought in to carry out a controlled explosion at around 5.30am.
But Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit are still at the scene to identify the chemicals.
And local people are worried the person responsible could cause a similar incident in the future.
One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “I have come to stay with my friend after being evacuated from my home.
"We heard a few loud bangs in the early hours of this morning and it has been really frightening for our children.
“This type of thing has happened before and the man is well known in the area – it is very worrying to think what might have happened.”
Ward councillor Ron Abbey told the Globe volunteers and council workers had helped to ensure the comfort and safety of residents who had been evacuated.
He said: “This is a very difficult situation which you don’t expect to happen.
"But people from across the community have pulled together and volunteers have been here cooking for everyone.
"The local authority have been brilliant in providing temporary beds and food.”
Councillor Abbey added that residents were expecting to go back to their homes from 6pm onwards this evening however they are still waiting to hear from police.
A number of road closures remain in place at the following locations: Cameron Road / Mackenzie Road; Boyd Close / Cameron Road; Grant Road / Cameron Road; Kellet Road / Cameron Road.
A council spokesman said: “The road closures listed above will remain in place until Merseyside Police confirm that it is safe to reinstate access.
“We would like to thank residents for their patience throughout this disruption and reassure everyone that the people who were evacuated from their homes are safe and many are being looked after at the rest centre.
"We would particularly like to thank the staff, partners and local volunteers at Leasowe Community Centre and 7 Waves Community Radio who have worked hard throughout the night to respond to this incident.”
A 57-year-old man from Leasowe has been arrested on suspicion of throwing a firework in a public place and has been taken to a police station in Merseyside for questioning.
Officers are appealing to anyone with any information about the incident to call Merseyside Police on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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